I've politely declined invites to speak about V2P at various forums, because I've not understood it well enough to usefully contribute, despite carefully listening to its First Nations architects, prominent activists, politicians, constitutional experts, and other commentators. It's an incredibly sensitive, polarising, and technical idea, not easily discussed on the fly, by anyone. Having said that, I may have landed somewhere on two items that have punctuated First Nations thinking around V2P. Trojan Horse is a term invoked by 'no' proponents to describe V2P as a mechanism to smuggle-into the Constitution a protection, in the Commonwealth's favour, against First Nations' sovereignty claims. I doubt V2P, if successful, could have that effect. In any event, it probably doesn't matter, because there's only nominal prospect, if any, that sovereignty will gain beneficial traction at a practical level - regardless of the result of V2P. The spirit of sovereignty claims challenging an empire of uniformity is admirable!⚔ But, formal acknowledgement of First Nations sovereignty, by the Commonwealth, would necessarily involve the cession of Commonwealth power, at least to some limited extent. That is incredibly difficult to imagine. That's why I think the idea of First Nations sovereignty is, at that point, a practical improbability. Realistic steps, backed by socio-political will, ought to be explored. V2P is, in my view, more likely than sovereignty claims to be such a step. Government mistrust within First Nations communities is perfectly understandable. But I worry about that mistrust prevailing over a proper assessment of what V2P offers us all. There is, undoubtedly, an incredibly strong and traumatic basis for mistrust, noting scholarly appraisals of Australian history which characterise it as distinctly genocidal. My mother and her siblings were removed from country and separated from each other. Some were sent to institutions. Others were adopted-out. The philosophical thrust of those policies was essentially to breed out the blackness. It should therefore be expected and considered wise for First Nations peoples, and their proper allies, to maintain a rigorous scepticism about government intentions. But, that scepticism should not blindly override consideration of what, in my assessment, are tangible and foreseeable benefits that V2P can provide to First Nations people and a broader, more thoroughly Reconciled Australia. Whatever the outcome, I hope we can all agree to support those who decide differently in October. Because the only guarantee, at this point, is heartbreak for those whose vision and desires are at odds with those of the majority. Please get properly informed about V2P. Happy to discuss. 📸 with Andrew Alexander, Chase Iron Eyes (Native American activist, attorney, and politician), and our buddy and proper ally, John, at the World Indigenous Legal Conference, University of California, in Irvine, CA, 2018.
Megan Prideaux
7mo
Thanks for sharing your very thoughtful views Nick
Marty Keates
7mo
Thanks for sharing Nick. It’s a decision that requires a thoughtful and well informed approach.
Very thoughtful and balanced, Nick. I support the V2P and I hope it succeeds. Education is key. Ignorance, as always, is the greatest challenge.
Great to have your views, Nick. Whatever the outcome on 14 October, the crucial journey toward national reconciliation, redemption and restoration must continue, and I am 110% with it.
Yiannis Roubos
7mo
Really enjoyed reading this.
Strategic Operations | Governance Leader | Experienced Executive | EAP Clinician | Accredited Supervisor | Public Speaker | Mental Health Advocate | Co-Chair, AIMhi-Y Project Advisory Group
7moWell said brother! 👏🏾